Mold quickly grows in humid areas, that is, sites with high moisture content. Also, they can grow in air conditioners that are left unused for a long time. Molds have effects such as they can affect the health status of the surrounding people or individuals within the house. For instance, health effects include; skin irritation, stuffiness, eye discomforts, and breathing problems for allergic individuals within the surrounding area.
Many signs indicate molds in the air conditioner, such as; moldy smell, flooding of the area near the AC system, among others. Therefore, it is better to prevent mold from getting into the air conditioner than striving to clear mold in the AC drain pipe. Luckily, the information below shows various ways of preventing mold from getting into an air conditioner.
Preventive measures of preventing mold from getting into an air conditioner
Regulating moisture in the AC system prevents mold from getting into the AC and clogging the AC drain line. In most cases, air conditioners result in the growth of molds in the AC drain pipe since the AC cold vaporizer produces moisture once warm air flows. Fortunately, the following tips help in preventing mold from growing in the air conditioner.
1. Minimize moisture
The best solution for minimizing moisture is by using a humidistat. Humidistat regulates the amount of humidity in the room. First, connect the humidistat and thermostat to the AC system unit. Try controlling moisture in the AC system unit using a thermostat.
Also, you can minimize moisture by using an AC with humidity control. Use a system designed to collect all condensed water hence keeping the AC system unit dry and free from any moisture. Remove water in the reservoir regularly to prevent the growth of molds in the reservoir and the AC system unit.
2. Keep the AC system functioning
Molds usually grow in ASC systems that are not in use. When going out on a vacation or any trip, people tend to switch off the AC system leaving the house stuffy with no fresh airflow in and out of the house. During the summer season, moisture accumulates in the air conditioner due to the vaporization of air. The accumulation of moisture provides the conditions necessary for the growth of mold in the AC.
The best of keeping mold from getting into the AC system unit is by leaving the AC running even when not present in the house. To leave the AC running, set the “auto” settings to keep the AC continuously running. If you want to reduce the electricity bill that results from AC consuming a lot of energy, consider setting the target temperature higher to run the AC less frequently without shutting off completely.
3. Proper AC maintenance
The air conditioner’s inside side is dark and warm, thus providing the best conditions for moisture growth. Also, water evaporating inside the air conditioner increases the probability of mold growing in the drain line. Therefore, mold prevention requires frequent AC maintenance to prevent the growth of mildew or algae.
Maintenance measures include; cleaning the air conditioner and its parts often to remove any clog. Run distilled white vinegar at least twice a month to remove any mold present in the PVC pipe before growing bigger. Also, use the recommended amount of oil to lubricate all parts of the air conditioner. Therefore, it is advisable to inspect the air conditioner regularly.
4. Remove dust
Dust also increases the chance of mold growing near or inside the air conditioner. Vacuum cleaner absorbs all dust present in the AC, leaving the AC clean preventing mold from getting into the air conditioner. When using the vacuum cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using it on air conditioners to avoid damaging either the AC or the vacuum cleaner.
You might be interested to read also our another comprehensive article of : How to Clear a Clogged Air Conditioner Drain Line
5. Often replace air filters
Sometimes, the air filter may become wet and dirty, thus providing conditions necessary for the growth of molds. Dirt and dust in the air filter may also result in incorrect heating and cooling system functioning. Therefore, change the air filters at least thrice a month to prevent wetness that results in the growth of molds and algae.
6. Replace the air conditioner
If you discover high mold content in the air conditioner during the inspection process, avoid cleaning the air conditioner but rather consider getting a new one. But, if you want to reduce expenditure costs, consider contacting an expert to check the mold content and clean the air conditioner professionally.
Cleaning the air conditioner can result in many disadvantages such as skin discomforts, irritation of the eye, breathing problems due to breathing of unhealthy moldy smell, among others. Therefore, it is advisable to replace the air conditioner despite purchasing costs.
7. Avoiding introducing moisture in the HVAC unit
Accumulation of moisture in the HVAC system within the air conditioner increases the chances of mold growing in the air conditioner system. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the HVAC system away from dust. In the HVAC system’s moisture, dry the system using a dry vacuum cleaner but not water.
8. Keep the windows unit tightly closed
During the rainy season, moisture can enter the air conditioner through the window unit if not tightly closed. The humidity in the air conditioner results in mold growing in the AC and even the whole house, especially walls and ceiling. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the windows unit tightly for mold prevention purposes.
9. Avoid organic matter when cleaning the air filter
Organic debris provides a breeding place for molds, mildew, and algae. When cleaning the AC system unit, avoid using agents that provide food for the molds to grow. Therefore, clean the air conditioner frequently to remove any organic matter present in the air conditioner.
10. Use a heating and cooling mold inhibitor
Mold inhibitors are preferred in that they prevent the growth of mold in the HVAC system unit. To use the inhibitor, apply it to all heating and cooling system components by following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Avoid using too much or too limited mold inhibitors.
11. Inspect the AC air intake
Inspect all places near AC to detect any mold and any organic debris present. Therefore, keep areas near air intake clean and away from moisture.
Conclusion
Mold developing in the HVAC system is a severe problem that can affect the correct functioning of the AC unit. If you want to protect your AC from mold, consider following the above tips, such as maintaining the air conditioner properly.
Preventing mold from getting into the HVAC system is the best solution for dealing with mold in the AC. Finally, consider servicing the AC frequently to prevent or remove any mold in the air conditioner and improve the performance of the AC.
